Photo gallery: RAF Honington troops awarded for Afghanistan efforts

Troops based at RAF Honington have been awarded operational service medals for their deployment to Afghanistan last year.

Commandant General of the RAF Regiment, Air Commodore Nick Bray, presented 15 medals, including a clasp, to these servicemen during a ceremony in a hangar at the base.

The troops were deployed to Afghanistan between April and November last year in support of Operation Herrick.

Air Comm Bray also awarded one operational service medal for a tour of Libya and four servicemen who represented the RAF at judo received RAF Colours to recognise their sporting prowess.

Officer Commanding No 1 Squadron, James Rowe, from Chelmsford, and who also received an operation service medal for his tour in Afghanistan, said all the servicemen being recognised had made a “vital contribution”.

“There are some young guys out there who are given a lot of responsibility for challenging circumstances and they haven’t failed yet, so [I feel] very proud, yes.”

Speaking of the RAF Regiment’s role in the British military, Air Comm Bray said at Wednesday’s ceremony: “It is men and women just like this who are out there conducting themselves with courage and determination. They are doing a marvellous job. It’s great to see you all here today to welcome you all back from where you have been and to wish you the best of luck for the challenges that lie ahead.”

Sergeant Pete Scarlett, 41, who is originally from Tilbury in Essex, said the tour of Afghanistan had been “fine,” adding they had been providing protection for the British contingency. In total he has been on 18 tours in his career.

His father Alan, 66, from Tilbury, said: “At times it can be frightening, worrying, but then you get something like this and you are proud of what he’s done.”

Senior Aircraftman Bobby Edney, from London, said the tour of Afghanistan had been a “good experience”.